News

2011-11-17 09:09:30.943

Foristell Man Buys $77,000 Lottery Ticket in Columbia

Jeff Dobner of Foristell was passing through Columbia on a return trip from Kirksville when he decided to pull over and fuel up. His decision to stop at Casey’s General Store, 3905 Clark Lane in Columbia, resulted in a $77,000 prize. Dobner, 25, purchased a winning Missouri Lottery “Red Hot & Wild 7’s” Scratchers ticket while at the store on Nov. 12.

“I was driving home and just coincidently decided I needed to get off the highway and get gas,” began Dobner. “Of all the gas stations on that road I could have picked – the one I picked – it’s pretty amazing.”

Dobner even cited his selection of the ticket as “sheer luck.”

“Normally, I would pick the muscle car one or whatever appeals to me on a particular day,” he explained.

He returned to his car to scratch the ticket and was shocked after uncovering the top prize.

“Just kind of… wasn’t sure what to do,” said Dobner about that moment. “It’s kind of one of those things. You do a double-take, then you call a close family member. I was pretty sure, but there’s still that little bit of doubt in the back of your mind, like, ‘This can’t be real. Pinch me. I think I’m dreaming.’”

He confirmed his good fortune with the store clerk and then drove back to St. Louis with the adrenaline of the win “buzzing” in his head. Dobner said he stashed the ticket in a safe for the weekend so he wouldn’t misplace it “like I lose my keys.”

The only plans for the windfall include taking his family on a vacation to the Caribbean.

“It’s nice to get a little boost,” suggested Dobner. “I am on cloud nine. It’s still not clicking in.”

The information technology professional said he plays the Lottery regularly, but that this represents his largest win to date. Asked if he would continue to play, he answered, “Why not?”

“This is a positive thing.” He added, “Keep scratching!”

“Red Hot & Wild 7’s” is a $5 game that officially began Sept. 17. Dobner is the fourth player to claim a top prize in the game. More than $9 million prizes remain. Players can track prizes remaining for any Missouri Lottery Scratchers game here at Molottery.com.